Therapeutic compounds

ABSTRACT

Compounds comprising Formula (I) or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, are disclosed, wherein J 1 , J 2 , U 1 , B, Y, and A are as described. Methods, compositions, and medicaments related thereto are also disclosed, for treating glaucoma, inflammatory bowel disease and baldness.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a national stage application under 35 U.S.C. §371 of PCT patent application PCT/US09/42721, filed on May 4, 2009, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application 61/051,760, filed May 9, 2008, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

Ocular hypotensive agents are useful in the treatment of a number of various ocular hypertensive conditions, such as post-surgical and post-laser trabeculectomy ocular hypertensive episodes, glaucoma, and as presurgical adjuncts.

Glaucoma is a disease of the eye characterized by increased intraocular pressure. On the basis of its etiology, glaucoma has been classified as primary or secondary. For example, primary glaucoma in adults (congenital glaucoma) may be either open-angle or acute or chronic angle-closure. Secondary glaucoma results from pre-existing ocular diseases such as uveitis, intraocular tumor or an enlarged cataract.

The underlying causes of primary glaucoma are not yet known. The increased intraocular tension is due to the obstruction of aqueous humor outflow. In chronic open-angle glaucoma, the anterior chamber and its anatomic structures appear normal, but drainage of the aqueous humor is impeded. In acute or chronic angle-closure glaucoma, the anterior chamber is shallow, the filtration angle is narrowed, and the iris may obstruct the trabecular meshwork at the entrance of the canal of Schlemm. Dilation of the pupil may push the root of the iris forward against the angle, and may produce pupilary block and thus precipitate an acute attack. Eyes with narrow anterior chamber angles are predisposed to acute angle-closure glaucoma attacks of various degrees of severity.

Secondary glaucoma is caused by any interference with the flow of aqueous humor from the posterior chamber into the anterior chamber and subsequently, into the canal of Schlemm. Inflammatory disease of the anterior segment may prevent aqueous escape by causing complete posterior synechia in iris bombe, and may plug the drainage channel with exudates. Other common causes are intraocular tumors, enlarged cataracts, central retinal vein occlusion, trauma to the eye, operative procedures and intraocular hemorrhage.

Considering all types together, glaucoma occurs in about 2% of all persons over the age of 40 and may be asymptotic for years before progressing to rapid loss of vision. In cases where surgery is not indicated, topical β-adrenoreceptor antagonists have traditionally been the drugs of choice for treating glaucoma.

Certain eicosanoids and their derivatives are currently commercially available for use in glaucoma management. Eicosanoids and derivatives include numerous biologically important compounds such as prostaglandins and their derivatives. Prostaglandins can be described as derivatives of prostanoic acid which have the following structural formula:

Various types of prostaglandins are known, depending on the structure and substituents carried on the alicyclic ring of the prostanoic acid skeleton. Further classification is based on the number of unsaturated bonds in the side chain indicated by numerical subscripts after the generic type of prostaglandin [e.g. prostaglandin E₁ (PGE₁), prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂)], and on the configuration of the substituents on the alicyclic ring indicated by α or β [e.g. prostaglandin F_(2α) (PGF_(2β))].

Prostaglandin EP₂ selective agonists are believed to have several medical uses. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,437,146 teaches the use of prostaglandin EP₂ selective agonists “for treating or preventing inflammation and pain in joint and muscle (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatoid spondylitis, osteoarthritis, gouty arthritis, juvenile arthritis, etc.), inflammatory skin condition (e.g., sunburn, burns, eczema, dermatitis, etc.), inflammatory eye condition (e.g., conjunctivitis, etc.), lung disorder in which inflammation is involved (e.g., asthma, bronchitis, pigeon fancier's disease, farmer's lung, etc.), condition of the gastrointestinal tract associated with inflammation (e.g., aphthous ulcer, Chrohn's disease, atrophic gastritis, gastritis varialoforme, ulcerative colitis, coeliac disease, regional ileitis, irritable bowel syndrome, etc.), gingivitis, inflammation, pain and tumescence after operation or injury, pyrexia, pain and other conditions associated with inflammation, allergic disease, systemic lupus crythematosus, scleroderma, polymyositis, tendinitis, bursitis, periarteritis nodose, rheumatic fever, Sjgren's syndrome, Behcet disease, thyroiditis, type I diabetes, diabetic complication (diabetic microangiopathy, diabetic retinopathy, diabetic neohropathy, etc.), nephrotic syndrome, aplastic anemia, myasthenia gravis, uveitis contact dermatitis, psoriasis, Kawasaki disease, sarcoidosis, Hodgkin's disease, Alzheimers disease, kidney dysfunction (nephritis, nephritic syndrome, etc.), liver dysfunction (hepatitis, cirrhosis, etc.), gastrointestinal dysfunction (diarrhea, inflammatory bowel disease, etc.) shock, bone disease characterized by abnormal bone metabolism such as osteoporosis (especially, postmenopausal osteoporosis), hypercalcemia, hyperparathyroidism, Paget's bone diseases, osteolysis, hypercalcemia of malignancy with or without bone metastases, rheumatoid arthritis, periodonritis, osteoarthritis, ostealgia, osteopenia, cancer cachexia, calculosis, lithiasis (especially, urolithiasis), solid carcinoma, mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis, edema (e.g. cardiac edema, cerebral edema, etc.), hypertension such as malignant hypertension or the like, premenstrual tension, urinary calculus, oliguria such as the one caused by acute or chronic failure, hyperphosphaturia, or the like.”

U.S. Pat. No. 6,710,072 teaches the use of EP2 agonists for the treatment or prevention of “osteoporosis, constipation, renal disorders, sexual dysfunction, baldness, diabetes, cancer and in disorder of immune regulation . . . various pathophysiological diseases including acute myocardial infarction, vascular thrombosis, hypertension, pulmonary hypertension, ischemic heart disease, congestive heart failure, and angina pectoris.”

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Disclosed herein are compounds useful in treating glaucoma, inflammatory bowel disease, the stimulation of hair growth, and the stimulation of the conversion of vellus hair to terminal hair. The compounds themselves are disclosed below.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Disclosed herein are compounds of the formula

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or a prodrug thereof;

-   wherein a dashed line represents the presence or absence of a bond; -   Y is

-   A is —(CH₂)₆—, cis —CH₂CH═CH—(CH₂)₃—, or —CH₂C≡C—(CH₂)₃—, wherein 1     or 2 carbon atoms may be replaced by S or O; or A is     —(CH₂)_(m)—Ar—(CH₂)_(o)— wherein Ar is interarylene or     heterointerarylene, the sum of m and o is 1, 2, 3, or 4, and wherein     one CH₂ may be replaced by S or O; -   U¹ is independently O; S; F; Cl; Br; I; CN; or O-alkyl having 1, 2,     3, 4, 5 or 6 carbon atoms; -   J¹ and J² are independently hydrogen; F; Cl, Br; I; O; OH; CN;     O-alkyl having 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 carbon atoms; alkyl having 1, 2,     3, 4, 5, or 6 carbon atoms; or CF₃; and -   B is aryl or heteroaryl.

Any structure depicted herein, whether alone or presented with other structures, is contemplated as an individual embodiment.

Furthermore, for each individual structure presented herein, an embodiment is contemplated which comprises the compound of the structure, and/or one or more prodrugs of compounds of the structure, and/or one or more pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compounds of the structure.

An embodiment is also contemplated which comprises the compound of the structure, and/or one or more pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the compounds of the structure.

An embodiment is also contemplated which comprises the compound of the structure, and/or one or more prodrugs of compounds of the structure.

Since a dashed line represents the presence or absence of a bond, compounds such as those according to the structures below are possible.

A is —(CH₂)₆—, cis —CH₂CH═CH—(CH₂)₃—, or —CH₂C≡C—(CH₂)₃—, wherein 1 or 2 carbon atoms may be replaced by S or O; or A is —(CH₂)_(m)—Ar—(CH₂)_(o)— wherein Ar is interarylene or heterointerarylene, the sum of m and o is 1, 2, 3, or 4, and wherein one CH₂ may be replaced by S or O.

While not intending to be limiting, A may be —(CH₂)₆—, cis —CH₂CH═CH—(CH₂)₃—, or —CH₂C≡C—(CH₂)₃—.

Alternatively, A may be a group which is related to one of these three moieties in that any carbon is replaced with S or O. For example, while not intending to limit the scope of the invention in any way, A may be a moiety where S replaces one or two carbon atoms such as one of the following or the like.

Alternatively, while not intending to limit the scope of the invention in any way, A may be a moiety where O replaces one or two carbon atoms such as one of the following or the like.

Alternatively, while not intending to limit the scope of the invention in any way, A may have an O replacing one carbon atom and an S replacing another carbon atom, such as one of the following or the like.

Alternatively, while not intending to limit the scope of the invention in any way, in certain embodiments A is —(CH₂)_(m)—Ar—(CH₂)_(o)— wherein Ar is interarylene or heterointerarylene, the sum of m and o is 1, 2, 3, or 4, and wherein one CH₂ may be replaced with S or O. In other words, while not intending to limit the scope of the invention in any way,

-   in one embodiment A comprises 1, 2, 3, or 4 CH₂ moieties and Ar,     e.g. —CH₂—Ar—, —(CH₂)₂—Ar—, —CH₂—Ar—CH₂—, —CH₂Ar—(CH₂)₂—,     —(CH₂)₂—Ar—(CH₂)₂—, and the like; -   in another embodiment A comprises: O; 0, 1, 2, or 3 CH₂ moieties;     and Ar, e.g., —O—Ar—, Ar—CH₂—O—, —O—Ar—(CH₂)₂—, —O—CH₂—Ar—,     —O—CH₂—Ar—(CH₂)₂, and the like; or -   in another embodiment A comprises: S; 0, 1, 2, or 3 CH₂ moieties;     and Ar, e.g., —S—Ar—, Ar—CH₂—S—, —S—Ar—(CH₂)₂—, —S—CH₂—Ar—,     —S—CH₂—Ar—(CH₂)₂, —(CH₂)₂—S—Ar, and the like.

In another embodiment, the sum of m and o is 2, 3, or 4 wherein one CH₂ may be replaced with S or O.

In another embodiment, the sum of m and o is 3 wherein one CH₂ may be replaced with S or O.

In another embodiment, the sum of m and o is 2 wherein one CH₂ may be replaced with S or O.

In another embodiment, the sum of m and o is 4 wherein one CH₂ may be replaced with S or O.

Interarylene or heterointerarylene refers to an aryl ring or ring system or a heteroaryl ring or ring system which connects two other parts of a molecule, i.e. the two parts are bonded to the ring in two distinct ring positions. Interarylene or heterointerarylene may be substituted or unsubstituted. Unsubstituted interarylene or heterointerarylene has no substituents other than the two parts of the molecule it connects. Substituted interarylene or heterointerarylene has substituents in addition to the two parts of the molecule it connects.

In one embodiment, Ar is substituted or unsubstituted interphenylene, interthienylene, interfurylene, interpyridinylene, interoxazolylene, and interthiazolylene. In another embodiment Ar is interphenylene (Ph). In another embodiment A is —(CH₂)₂—Ph-. While not intending to limit scope of the invention in any way, substituents may have 4 or less heavy atoms, wherein the heavy atoms are C, N, O, S, P, F, Cl, Br, and/or I in any stable combination. Any number of hydrogen atoms required for a particular substituent will also be included. A substituent must be stable enough for the compound to be useful as described herein. In addition to the atoms listed above, a substituent may also have a metal cation or any other stable cation having an atom not listed above if the substituent is acidic and the salt form is stable. For example, —OH may form an —O⁻Na⁺ salt or CO₂H may form a CO₂ ⁻K⁺ salt. Any cation of the salt is not counted in the “4 or less heavy atoms.”

Thus, the substituent may be

-   hydrocarbyl having up to 4 carbon atoms, including alkyl up to C₄,     alkenyl, alkynyl, and the like; -   hydrocarbyloxy up to C₃; -   organic acid such as CO₂H, SO₃H, P(O)(OH)₂, and the like, and salts     thereof; -   CF₃; -   halo, such as F, Cl, or Br; -   hydroxyl; -   NH₂ and alkylamine functional groups up to C₃; -   other N or S containing substituents such as CN, NO₂, and the like;     and the like.

In one embodiment A is —(CH₂)_(m)-Ph-(CH₂)_(o)— wherein the sum of m and o is 1, 2, or 3, and wherein one CH₂ may be replaced with S or O.

In another embodiment A is —CH₂—Ar—OCH₂—. In another embodiment A is —CH₂-Ph-OCH₂—. In another embodiment, Ph is attached at the 1 and 3 positions, otherwise known as m-interphenylene, such as when A has the structure shown below.

In another embodiment A is —(CH₂)₆—, cis —CH₂CH═CH—(CH₂)₃—, or —CH₂C≡C—(CH₂)₃—, wherein 1 or 2 carbon atoms may be replaced with S or O; or A is —(CH₂)₂-Ph- wherein one CH₂ may be replaced with S or O.

In another embodiment A is —(CH₂)₆—, cis —CH₂CH═CH—(CH₂)₃—, or —CH₂C≡C—(CH₂)₃—, wherein 1 or 2 carbon atoms may be replaced with S or O; or A is —(CH₂)₂-Ph-.

In other embodiments, A has one of the following structures, where Y is attached to the aromatic or heteroaromatic ring.

In other embodiments, A has one of the following structures,

In another embodiment A is —CH₂OCH₂Ar.

In another embodiment A is —CH₂SCH₂Ar.

In another embodiment A is —(CH₂)₃Ar.

In another embodiment A is —CH₂—O—(CH₂)₄.

In another embodiment A is —CH₂S(CH₂)₄.

In another embodiment A is —(CH₂)₆—.

In another embodiment A is cis —CH₂CH═CH—(CH₂)₃—.

In another embodiment A is —CH₂C≡C—(CH₂)₃—.

In another embodiment A is —S(CH₂)₃S(CH₂)₂—.

In another embodiment A is —(CH₂)₄OCH₂—.

In another embodiment A is cis —CH₂CH═CH—CH₂OCH₂—.

In another embodiment A is —CH₂CH≡CH—CH₂OCH₂—.

In another embodiment A is —(CH₂)₂S(CH₂)₃—.

In another embodiment A is —CH₂-Ph-OCH₂—, wherein Ph is interphenylene.

In another embodiment A is —CH₂-mPh-OCH₂—, wherein mPh is m-interphenylene.

In another embodiment A is —CH₂—O—(CH₂)₄—.

In another embodiment A is —CH₂—O—CH₂—Ar—, wherein Ar is 2,5-interthienylene.

In another embodiment A is —CH₂—O—CH₂—Ar—, wherein Ar is 2,5-interfurylene.

In another embodiment A is (3-methylphenoxy)methyl.

In another embodiment A is (4-but-2-ynyloxy)methyl.

In another embodiment A is 2-(2-ethylthio)thiazol-4-yl.

In another embodiment A is 2-(3-propyl)thiazol-5-yl.

In another embodiment A is 3-methoxymethyl)phenyl.

In another embodiment A is 3-(3-propylphenyl.

In another embodiment A is 3-methylphenethyl.

In another embodiment A is 4-(2-ethyl)phenyl.

In another embodiment A is 4-phenethyl.

In another embodiment A is 4-methoxybutyl.

In another embodiment A is 5-(methoxymethyl)furan-2-yl.

In another embodiment A is 5-(methoxymethyl)thiophen-2-yl.

In another embodiment A is 5-(3-propyl)furan-2-yl.

In another embodiment A is 5-(3-propyl)thiophen-2-yl.

In another embodiment A is 6-hexyl.

In another embodiment A is (Z)-6-hex-4-enyl.

Compounds according to the each of the structures depicted below are possible.

U¹ is independently O; S; F; CI; Br; I; CN; or O-alkyl having 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 carbon atoms.

In one embodiment, U¹ is O.

In one embodiment, U¹ is S.

In one embodiment, U¹ is F.

In one embodiment, U¹ is Cl.

In one embodiment, U¹ is Br.

In one embodiment, U¹ is I.

In one embodiment, U¹ is CN.

In one embodiment, U¹ is O-alkyl having 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 carbon atoms.

J¹ and J² are independently hydrogen; F; Cl, Br; I; O; OH; CN; O-alkyl having 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 carbon atoms; alkyl having 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 carbon atoms; or CF₃.

In one embodiment, J¹ is hydrogen.

In one embodiment, J¹ is F.

In one embodiment, J¹ is Cl.

In one embodiment, J¹ is Br.

In one embodiment, J¹ is I.

In one embodiment, J¹ is O.

In one embodiment, J¹ is OH.

In one embodiment, J¹ is CN.

In one embodiment, J¹ is O-alkyl having 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 carbon atoms.

In one embodiment, J¹ isalkyl having 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 carbon atoms.

In one embodiment, J¹ is CF₃.

In one embodiment, J² is hydrogen.

In one embodiment, J² is F.

In one embodiment, J² is Cl.

In one embodiment, J² is Br.

In one embodiment, J² is I.

In one embodiment, J² is O.

In one embodiment, J² is OH.

In one embodiment, J² is CN.

In one embodiment, J² is O-alkyl having 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 carbon atoms.

In one embodiment, J² is alkyl having 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 carbon atoms.

In one embodiment, J² is CF₃.

Thus, compounds according to the structures shown below are possible.

B is aryl or heteroaryl.

Aryl is an aromatic ring or ring system such as phenyl, naphthyl, biphenyl, and the like.

Heteroaryl is aryl having one or more N, O, or S atoms in the ring, i.e. one or more ring carbons are substituted by N, O, and/or S. While not intending to be limiting, examples of heteroaryl include thienyl, pyridinyl, furyl, benzothienyl, benzofuryl, imidizololyl, indolyl, and the like.

A substituent of aryl or heteroaryl may have up to 20 non-hydrogen atoms each in any stable combination and as many hydrogen atoms as necessary, wherein the non-hydrogen atoms are C, N, O, S, P, F, Cl, Br, and/or I in any stable combination. However, the total number of non-hydrogen atoms on all of the substituents combined must also be 20 or less. A substituent must be sufficiently stable for the compound to be useful as described herein. In addition to the atoms listed above, a substituent may also have a metal cation or other stable cation having an atom not listed above if the substituent is acidic and the salt form is stable. For example, —OH may form an —O⁻Na⁺ salt or CO₂H may form a CO₂ ⁻K⁺ salt. Any cation of the salt is not counted in the 20 non-hydrogen atoms.

Thus, while not intending to limit the scope of the invention in any way, a substituent may be:

-   hydrocarbyl, i.e. a moiety consisting of only carbon and hydrogen     such as alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, and the like, including linear,     branched or cyclic hydrocarbyl, and combinations thereof; -   hydrocarbyloxy, meaning O-hydrocarbyl such as OCH₃, OCH₂CH₃,     O-cyclohexyl, etc, up to 19 carbon atoms; -   other ether substituents such as CH₂OCH₃, (CH₂)₂OCH(CH₃)₂, and the     like; -   thioether substituents including S-hydrocarbyl and other thioether     substituents; -   hydroxyhydrocarbyl, meaning hydrocarbyl-OH such as CH₂OH, C(CH₃)₂OH,     etc, up to 19 carbon atoms; -   nitrogen substituents such as NO₂, CN, and the like, including -   amino, such as NH₂, NH(CH₂CH₃OH), NHCH₃, and the like; -   carbonyl substituents, such as CO₂H, ester, amide, and the like; -   halogen, such as chloro, fluoro, bromo, and the like -   fluorocarbyl, such as CF₃, CF₂CF₃, etc.; -   phosphorous substituents, such as PO₃ ²⁻, and the like; -   sulfur substituents, including S-hydrocarbyl, SH, SO₃H,     SO₂-hydrocarbyl, SO₃-hydrocarbyl, and the like.

Substituted aryl or heteroaryl may have as many substituents as the ring or ring system will bear, and the substituents may be the same or different. Thus, for example, an aryl ring or a heteroaryl ring may be substituted with chloro and methyl; methyl, OH, and F; CN, NO₂, and ethyl; and the like including any conceivable substituent or combination of substituent possible in light of this disclosure.

Substituted aryl or substituted heteroaryl also includes a bicyclic or polycyclic ring system wherein one or more rings are aromatic and one or more rings are not. For example, indanonyl, indanyl, indanolyl, tetralonyl, and the like are substituted aryl and are also substituted phenyl. For this type of polycyclic ring system, an aromatic or heteroaromatic ring, not a non-aromatic ring, must be attached to the remainder of the molecule, i.e. the part of the molecule that is not B. In other words, in any structure depicting—B herein, where—is a bond, the bond is a direct bond to an aromatic ring.

Another embodiment is a compound according to the structure

or a pharmaceutical salt thereof, or a prodrug thereof,

-   wherein R is hydrogen or C1-10 hydrocarbyl.

Another embodiment is a compound according to the structure

or a pharmaceutical salt thereof, or a prodrug thereof,

-   wherein R is hydrogen or C1-10 hydrocarbyl.

Another embodiment is a compound according to the structure

or a pharmaceutical salt thereof, or a prodrug thereof,

-   wherein R is hydrogen or C1-10 hydrocarbyl.

“C1-10” hydrocarbyl is hydrocarbyl having 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 carbon atoms.

Hydrocarbyl is a moiety consisting of only carbon and hydrogen, and includes, but is not limited to alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, and the like, and in some cases aryl, and combinations thereof.

-   Alkyl is hydrocarbyl having no double or triple bonds including: -   linear alkyl such as methyl, ethyl, propyl, n-butyl, n-pentyl,     n-hexyl, and the like; -   branched alkyl such as isopropyl, branched butyl isomers (i.e.     sec-butyl, tert-butyl, etc), branched pentyl isomers (i.e.     isopentyl, etc), branched hexyl isomers, and higher branched alkyl     fragments; -   cycloalkyl such as cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl,     cycloheptyl, etc.; and alkyl fragments consisting of both cyclic and     noncyclic components, whether linear or branched, which may be     attached to the remainder of the molecule at any available position     including terminal, internal, or ring carbon atoms. -   Alkenyl is hydrocarbyl having one or more double bonds including     linear alkenyl, branched alkenyl, cyclic alkenyl, and combinations     thereof in analogy to alkyl. -   Alkynyl is hydrocarbyl having one or more triple bonds including     linear alkynyl, branched alkynyl, cyclic alkynyl and combinations     thereof in analogy to alkyl. -   Aryl is an unsubstituted or substituted aromatic ring or ring system     such as phenyl, naphthyl, biphenyl, and the like. Aryl may or may     not be hydrocarbyl, depending upon whether it has substituents with     heteroatoms. -   Arylalkyl is alkyl which is substituted with aryl. In other words     alkyl connects aryl to the remaining part of the molecule. Examples     are —CH₂-Phenyl, —CH₂—CH₂-Phenyl, and the like. Arylalkyl may or may     not be hydrocarbyl, depending upon whether the aryl portion has     substituents with heteroatoms. -   Unconjugated dienes or polyenes have one or more double bonds which     are not conjugated. They may be linear, branched, or cyclic, or a     combination thereof. Combinations of the above are also possible.

In another embodiment, B is substituted or unsubstituted phenyl.

In another embodiment, B is substituted or unsubstituted thienyl.

In another embodiment, B is substituted or unsubstituted naphthyl.

In another embodiment, B is substituted or unsubstituted furyl.

In another embodiment, B is substituted or unsubstituted pyridinyl.

In another embodiment, B is substituted or unsubstituted benzothienyl.

In another embodiment, B is substituted or unsubstituted indanyl.

In another embodiment, B is substituted or unsubstituted tetralonyl.

In another embodiment, B has 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 substituents, wherein each substituent has one or more carbon, fluorine, chlorine, bromine, oxygen, sulfur, or atoms; and wherein all substituents taken together consist of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 carbon atoms; 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 fluorine atoms; 0, 1, 2 or 3 chlorine atoms, 0, 1, 2 or 3 bromine atoms, 0, 1, 2 or 3 oxygen atoms; 0, 1, 2, or 3 sulfur atoms; 0, 1, 2, or 3 nitrogen atoms.

In another embodiment, B has 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 substituents, wherein each substituent has one or more carbon, fluorine, chlorine, bromine, or oxygen atoms; and wherein all substituents taken together consist of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 carbon atoms; 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 fluorine atoms; 0, 1, 2 or 3 chlorine atoms, 0, 1, 2 or 3 bromine atoms, and 0, 1, 2 or 3 oxygen atoms.

In another embodiment, B has a substituent of the formula C_(a)H_(b)O_(c); wherein a is 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9, b is 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 or 19; and c is 0, 1, 2, or 3.

In another embodiment, B has 1, 2, 3, or 4 alkyl substituents having 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 carbon atoms.

In another embodiment, B has a hydroxyalkyl substituent having 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 carbon atoms and 1 or 2 hydroxy moieties.

In another embodiment, B has an alkyl substituent having 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 carbon atoms.

In another embodiment, B has 1, 2, 3, or 4 halogen substituents.

In another embodiment, B has 1, 2, 3, or 4 chloro substituents.

In another embodiment, B has 1 chloro substituent.

In another embodiment, B has 2 chloro substituents.

In another embodiment, B has 1, 2, 3, or 4 trifluoromethyl substituents.

In another embodiment, B has 1, 2, or 3 trifluoromethyl substituents.

In another embodiment, B has 1 trifluoromethyl substituent.

In another embodiment, B has 2 trifluoromethyl substituents.

In another embodiment, B has a hydroxyl substituent.

Examples of useful moieties for B are depicted below. Each is individually contemplated as an embodiment.

Structure:

Name: unsubstituted phenyl 3,5-dichlorophenyl 3,5-di(trifluoromethyl)phenyl Structure:

Name: 2-chlorophenyl 3-chlorophenyl 4-chlorophenyl Structure:

Name: 3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl 3-isopropylphenyl 3-tert-butylphenyl Structure:

Name: 3-hydroxyphenyl 3-methoxyphenyl 3-(benzoyloxy)phenyl Structure:

Name: 2,3-dimethylphenyl 3,4-dimethylphenyl 2,4-dimethylphenyl Structure:

Name: 2,5-dimethylphenyl 3,5-dimethylphenyl 2,6-dimethylphenyl Structure:

Name: 3-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl 3-(1-hydroxyethyl)phenyl 3-(1-hydroxy-2- methylpropyl)phenyl Structure:

Name: 2-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl 4-(hydroxymethyl)-3,5- dimethylphenyl 4-(methoxymethyl)-3,5- dimethylphenyl Structure:

Name: 3-(1-hydroxybutyl)phenyl 4-(1-methoxybutyl)phenyl 4-(1-hydroxybutyl)phenyl Structure:

Name: 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)phenyl 3-(2-hydroxyethyl)phenyl 2-(2-hydroxyethyl)phenyl Structure:

Name: 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-3,5- dimethylphenyl 3-(1-hydroxyhexyl)phenyl 3-(acetoxymethyl)-5- chlorophenyl Structure:

Name: 1-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H- inden-4-yl 1-hydroxy-2,3-dihydro- 1H-inden-4-yl 5-hydroxy-5,6,7,8- tetrahydronaphthalen-1-yl Structure:

Name: 3-(1-hydroxy-2-phenylethyl)phenyl 4-(2-phenylpropan-2-yl)phenyl Structure:

Name: naphthalen-1-yl naphthalen-2-yl 4-chloronaphthalen-1-yl

In the above embodiments, x is 5, 6, or 7, and y+z is 2x+1.

In one embodiment, x is 5 and y+z is 11.

In another embodiment, x is 6 and y+z is 13.

In another embodiment, x is 7 and y+z is 15.

A “pharmaceutically acceptable salt” is any salt that retains the activity of the parent compound and does not impart any additional deleterious or untoward effects on the subject to which it is administered and in the context in which it is administered compared to the parent compound. A pharmaceutically acceptable salt also refers to any salt which may form in vivo as a result of administration of an acid, another salt, or a prodrug which is converted into an acid or salt.

Pharmaceutically acceptable salts of acidic functional groups may be derived from organic or inorganic bases. The salt may comprise a mono or polyvalent ion. Of particular interest are the inorganic ions lithium, sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Organic salts may be made with amines, particularly ammonium salts such as mono-, di- and trialkyl amines or ethanol amines. Salts may also be formed with caffeine, tromethamine and similar molecules. Hydrochloric acid or some other pharmaceutically acceptable acid may form a salt with a compound that includes a basic group, such as an amine or a pyridine ring.

A “prodrug” is a compound which is converted to a therapeutically active compound after administration, and the term should be interpreted as broadly herein as is generally understood in the art. While not intending to limit the scope of the invention, conversion may occur by hydrolysis of an ester group or some other biologically labile group. Generally, but not necessarily, a prodrug is inactive or less active than the therapeutically active compound to which it is converted. Ester prodrugs of the compounds disclosed herein are specifically contemplated. An ester may be derived from a carboxylic acid of C1 (i.e. the terminal carboxylic acid of a natural prostaglandin), or an ester may be derived from a carboxylic acid functional group on another part of the molecule, such as on a phenyl ring. While not intending to be limiting, an ester may be an alkyl ester, an aryl ester, or a heteroaryl ester. The term alkyl has the meaning generally understood by those skilled in the art and refers to linear, branched, or cyclic alkyl moieties. C₁₋₆ alkyl esters are particularly useful, where alkyl part of the ester has from 1 to 6 carbon atoms and includes, but is not limited to, methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, iso-butyl, t-butyl, pentyl isomers, hexyl isomers, cyclopropyl, cyclobutyl, cyclopentyl, cyclohexyl, and combinations thereof having from 1-6 carbon atoms, etc.

Those skilled in the art will readily understand that for administration or the manufacture of medicaments the compounds disclosed herein can be admixed with pharmaceutically acceptable excipients which per se are well known in the art. Specifically, a drug to be administered systemically, it may be confected as a powder, pill, tablet or the like, or as a solution, emulsion, suspension, aerosol, syrup or elixir suitable for oral or parenteral administration or inhalation.

For solid dosage forms or medicaments, non-toxic solid carriers include, but are not limited to, pharmaceutical grades of mannitol, lactose, starch, magnesium stearate, sodium saccharin, the polyalkylene glycols, talcum, cellulose, glucose, sucrose and magnesium carbonate. The solid dosage forms may be uncoated or they may be coated by known techniques to delay disintegration and absorption in the gastrointestinal tract and thereby provide a sustained action over a longer period. For example, a time delay material such as glyceryl monostearate or glyceryl distearate may be employed. They may also be coated by the technique described in the U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,256,108; 4,166,452; and 4,265,874 to form osmotic therapeutic tablets for control release. Liquid pharmaceutically administrable dosage forms can, for example, comprise a solution or suspension of one or more of the presently useful compounds and optional pharmaceutical adjutants in a carrier, such as for example, water, saline, aqueous dextrose, glycerol, ethanol and the like, to thereby form a solution or suspension. If desired, the pharmaceutical composition to be administered may also contain minor amounts of nontoxic auxiliary substances such as wetting or emulsifying agents, pH buffering agents and the like. Typical examples of such auxiliary agents are sodium acetate, sorbitan monolaurate, triethanolamine, sodium acetate, triethanolamine oleate, etc. Actual methods of preparing such dosage forms are known, or will be apparent, to those skilled in this art; for example, see Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, Mack Publishing Company, Easton, Pa., 16th Edition, 1980. The composition of the formulation to be administered, in any event, contains a quantity of one or more of the presently useful compounds in an amount effective to provide the desired therapeutic effect.

Parenteral administration is generally characterized by injection, either subcutaneously, intramuscularly or intravenously. Injectables can be prepared in conventional forms, either as liquid solutions or suspensions, solid forms suitable for solution or suspension in liquid prior to injection, or as emulsions. Suitable excipients are, for example, water, saline, dextrose, glycerol, ethanol and the like. In addition, if desired, the injectable pharmaceutical compositions to be administered may also contain minor amounts of non-toxic auxiliary substances such as wetting or emulsifying agents, pH buffering agents and the like.

The amount of the presently useful compound or compounds administered is dependent on the therapeutic effect or effects desired, on the specific mammal being treated, on the severity and nature of the mammal's condition, on the manner of administration, on the potency and pharmacodynamics of the particular compound or compounds employed, and on the judgment of the prescribing physician. The therapeutically effective dosage of the presently useful compound or compounds may be in the range of about 0.5 or about 1 to about 100 mg/kg/day.

A liquid which is ophthalmically acceptable is formulated such that it can be administered topically to the eye. The comfort should be maximized as much as possible, although sometimes formulation considerations (e.g. drug stability) may necessitate less than optimal comfort. In the case that comfort cannot be maximized, the liquid should be formulated such that the liquid is tolerable to the patient for topical ophthalmic use. Additionally, an ophthalmically acceptable liquid should either be packaged for single use, or contain a preservative to prevent contamination over multiple uses.

For ophthalmic application, solutions or medicaments are often prepared using a physiological saline solution as a major vehicle. Ophthalmic solutions should preferably be maintained at a comfortable pH with an appropriate buffer system. The formulations may also contain conventional, pharmaceutically acceptable preservatives, stabilizers and surfactants.

Preservatives that may be used in the pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention include, but are not limited to, benzalkonium chloride, chlorobutanol, thimerosal, phenylmercuric acetate and phenylmercuric nitrate. A useful surfactant is, for example, Tween 80. Likewise, various useful vehicles may be used in the ophthalmic preparations of the present invention. These vehicles include, but are not limited to, polyvinyl alcohol, povidone, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, poloxamers, carboxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose and purified water.

Tonicity adjustors may be added as needed or convenient. They include, but are not limited to, salts, particularly sodium chloride, potassium chloride, mannitol and glycerin, or any other suitable ophthalmically acceptable tonicity adjustor.

Various buffers and means for adjusting pH may be used so long as the resulting preparation is ophthalmically acceptable. Accordingly, buffers include acetate buffers, citrate buffers, phosphate buffers and borate buffers. Acids or bases may be used to adjust the pH of these formulations as needed.

In a similar vein, an ophthalmically acceptable antioxidant for use in the present invention includes, but is not limited to, sodium metabisulfite, sodium thiosulfate, acetylcysteine, butylated hydroxyanisole and butylated hydroxytoluene.

Other excipient components which may be included in the ophthalmic preparations are chelating agents. A useful chelating agent is edetate disodium, although other chelating agents may also be used in place or in conjunction with it.

The ingredients are usually used in the following amounts:

Ingredient Amount (% w/v) active ingredient about 0.001-5 preservative   0-0.10 vehicle 0-40 tonicity adjustor 1-10 buffer 0.01-10   pH adjustor q.s. pH 4.5-7.5 antioxidant as needed surfactant as needed purified water as needed to make 100% Applications for Stimulating Hair Growth

In one embodiment, the compounds disclosed herein can be useful in the treatment of baldness and/or hair loss. Alopecia (baldness) is a deficiency of either normal or abnormal hair, and is primarily a cosmetic problem in humans. It is a deficiency of terminal hair, the broad diameter, colored hair that is readily seen. However, in the so called bald person, although there is a noticeable absence of terminal hair, the skin does contain vellus hair, which is a fine colorless hair which may require microscopic examination to determine its presence. This vellus hair is a precursor to terminal hair.

The compounds described herein can be used to stimulate, such as the conversion of vellus hair to growth as terminal hair, as well as increasing the rate of growth of terminal hair. The utility of the compounds described herein for the simulation of hair growth was discovered as follows.

In the course of treating patients having glaucoma, treatment may only be appropriate in one eye. Within the course of daily practice, it was discovered that a patient who had been treated with bimatoprost, a prostaglandin analogue, developed lashed that were longer, thicker, and fuller in the treated eye than in the non-treated eye. On examination, the difference was found to be very striking. The lashes were longer and had a fuller, denser appearance in the treated eye. The lash appearance on the lids of the treated eyes would have appeared quite attractive if it represented a bilateral phenomenon. As a result of its asymmetric nature, the long lash'es on one side could be construed as disturbing from a cosmetic standpoint. A systemic examination was preformed as a result of the asymmetric phenomenon. It soon became apparent that this altered appearance was not an isolated finding. Comparison of the lids of patients who were taking bimatoprost in only one eye revealed subtle changes in the lashed and adjacent hairs of the bimatoprost-treated side in several patients. Definite differences could be identified to varying degrees in the lashes and adjacent hairs of all patients who were taking the drug on a unilateral basis for longer than 6 months.

The changes in the lashes were apparent on gross inspection in several patients once attention was focused on the issue. In those with light colored hair and lashes, the differences were only seen easily with the aid of the high magnification and lighting capabilities of the slit lamp biomicroscope. In the course of glaucoma follow-up examination, attention is generally immediately focused on the eye itself. As a result of the high power magnification needed only one eye is seen at a time and the eye is seen at a high enough power that the lashes are not in focus. At these higher powers, any lash asymmetry between the two eyes is not likely to be noticed except by careful systematic comparison of the lashes and adjacent hairs of the eyelids of the two eyes.

Observed parameters leading to the conclusion that more robust hair growth occurred in the treatment area following administration of the prostaglandin analogue were multiple. They included increased length of lashed, increased number of lashes along the normal lash line, increased thickness and luster of lashes, increased auxiliary lash-like terminal hair in transitional areas adjacent to areas of normal lash growth, increased auxiliary lash-like terminal hairs at the medial and lateral canthal area, increased pigmentation of the lashes, increased numbers, increased length, as well as increased luster, and thickness of fine hair on the skin of the adjacent lid, and finally, increased perpendicular angulation of lashes and lash-like terminal hairs. The conclusion that hair growth is stimulated by prostaglandin analogues such as bimatoprost is thus supported not by evidence of a difference in a single parameter, but is based on multiple parameters of hair appearance in treated versus control areas in many subjects.

The compounds described herein are prostaglandin analogues and therefore have similar activities as bimatoprost, contain structural similarities, and therefore are expected to stimulate hair growth and stimulation of the conversion of vellus hair to terminal hair. In one embodiment, the compounds described herein and their prodrugs can be used for the stimulation of hair growth. As used herein, hair growth includes hair associated with the scalp, eyebrows, eyelids, beard, and other areas of the skin of animals.

In one embodiment, the compound is mixed with a dermatologically compatible vehicle or carrier. The vehicle, which may be employed for preparing compositions as described herein, may comprise, for example, aqueous solutions such as e.g., physiological salines, oil solutions, or ointments. The vehicle furthermore may contain dermatologically compatible preservatives such as e.g., benzalkonium chloride, surfactants like e.g., polysorbate 80, liposomes or polymers, for example, methyl cellulose, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl pyrrolidone and hyaluronic acid; these may be used for increasing the viscosity. Furthermore, it is also possible to use soluble or insoluble drug inserts when the drug is to be administered.

In one embodiment, dermatological compositions can be formulated for topical treatment for the stimulation of hair growth which comprises an effective hair growth simulating amount of one or more compounds as defined above and a dermatologically compatible carrier. Effective amounts of the active compounds may be determined by one of ordinary skill in the art, but will vary depending on the compound employed, frequency of application and desired result. The compound will generally range from about 0.0000001 to about 50% by weight of the dermatological composition. Preferably, the compound will range from about 0.001 to about 50% by weight of total dermatological composition, more preferably from about 0.1 to about 30% by weight of the composition.

In one embodiment, the application of the present compounds for stimulation of hair growth finds applications in mammalian species, including both humans and animals. In humans, the compounds described herein can be applied for example, to the scalp, face beard, head, pubic area, upper lip, eyebrows, and eyelids. In animal raised for their pelts, e.g., mink, the compounds described herein can be applied over the entire surface of the body to improve the overall pelt for commercial reasons. The process can also be used for cosmetic reasons in animals, e.g., applied to the skin of dogs and cats having bald patches due to mange or other diseases causing a degree of alopecia.

The pharmaceutical compositions contemplated for the stimulation of hair growth include pharmaceutical compositions suited for topical and local action. The term “topical” as employed herein relates to the use of a compound, as described herein, incorporated in a suitable pharmaceutical carrier, and applied at the site of thinning hair or baldness for exertion of local action. Accordingly, such topical compositions include those pharmaceutical forms in which the compound is applied externally by direct contact with the skin to be treated. Conventional pharmaceutical forms for this purpose include ointments, liniments, creams, shampoos, lotions, pastes, jellies, sprays, aerosols, and the like, and may be applied in patches or impregnated dressings depending on the part of the body to be treated. The term “ointment” embraces formulations (including creams) having oleaginous, water-soluble and emulsion-type bases, e.g., petrolatum, lanolin, polyethylene glycols, as well as mixtures of these.

Typically, the compounds can be applied repeatedly for the sustained period of time topically on the part of the body to be treated, for example, the eyelids, eyebrows, skin or scalp. The preferred dosage regimen will generally involve regular, such as daily, administration for a period of treatment of at least one month, more preferably at least three months, and most preferably, at least six months.

For topical use on the eyelids or eyebrows, the active compounds can be formulated in aqueous solutions, creams, ointments, or oils exhibiting physologicla acceptable osmolarity by addition of pharmaceutically acceptable buffers and salts, such formulations may or may not, depending on the dispenser, contain preservatives such as benzalkonium chloride, chlorhexidine, chlorobutanol, parahydroxybenzoic acids and phenylmercuric salts such as nitrate, chloride, acetate, and borate, or antioxidants, as well as additives like EDTA, sorbitol, boric acid and the like as additives. Furthermore, particularly aqueous solutions may contain viscosity increasing agents such as polysaccharides, e.g., methylcellulose, mucopolysaccharides, e.g., hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate, or poly alcohol, e.g., polyvinylalcohol. Various slow releasing gels and matricies may also be employed as well as soluble and insoluble ocular inserts, for instance, based on substances forming in situ gels. Depending on the actual formation and compound to be used, various amounts of the drug and different dose regimens may be employed. Typically, the daily amount of compound for treatment of the eyelid may be about 0.1 ng to about 100 mg per eyelid.

For topical use on the skin and scalp, the compound can be advantageously formulated using ointments, creams, liniments or patches as a carrier of the active ingredient. Also, these formulations may or may not contain preservatives, depending on the dispenser and nature of use. Such preservatives include those mentioned above, and methyl-, propyl-, or butyl-parahydroxybenzoic acid, betain, chlorhexidine, benzalkonium chloride, and the like. Various matricies for the slow release delivery may also be used. Typically, the dose to be applied on the scalp is in the range of about 0.1 ng to about 100 mg per day, more preferably about 1 ng to about 10 mg per day, and most preferably about 10 ng to about 1 mg per day depending on the compound and the formulation. To achieve the daily amount of medication depending on the formulation, the compound may be administered once or several times daily with or without antioxidants.

For topical use, creams, ointments, gels, solutions or suspensions, etc., containing the compound disclosed herein are employed. Topical formulations may generally be comprised of a pharmaceutical carrier, cosolvent, emulsifier, penetration enhancer, preservative system, and emollient.

The actual dose of the active compounds of the present invention depends on the specific compound, and on the condition to be treated; the selection of the appropriate dose is well within the knowledge of the skilled artisan.

For treatment of diseases affecting the eye including glaucoma, these compounds can be administered topically, periocularly, intraocularly, or by any other effective means known in the art.

A person of ordinary skill in the art understands the meaning of the stereochemistry associated with the hatched wedge/solid wedge structural features. For example, an introductory organic chemistry textbook (Francis A. Carey, Organic Chemistry, New York: McGraw-Hill Book Company 1987, p. 63) states “a wedge indicates a bond coming from the plane of the paper toward the viewer” and the hatched wedge, indicated as a “dashed line”, “represents a bond receding from the viewer.” Unless stereochemistry is explicitly depicted, a structure is intended to include every possible stereoisomer, both pure or in any possible mixture.

COMPOUND EXAMPLES

The following are hypothetical examples of useful compounds:

Compound Example 1

A compound of the formula

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or a prodrug thereof;

-   wherein a dashed line represents the presence or absence of a bond; -   Y is

-   A is —(CH₂)₆—, cis —CH₂CH═CH—(CH₂)₃—, or —CH₂C≡C—(CH₂)₃—, wherein 1     or 2 carbon atoms may be replaced by S or O; or A is     —(CH₂)_(m)—Ar—(CH₂)_(o)— wherein Ar is interarylene or     heterointerarylene, the sum of m and o is 1, 2, 3, or 4, and wherein     one CH₂ may be replaced by S or O; -   U¹ is independently O; S; F; CI; Br; I; CN; or O-alkyl having 1, 2,     3, 4, 5 or 6 carbon atoms; -   J¹ and J² are independently hydrogen; F; Cl, Br; I; O; OH; CN;     O-alkyl having 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 carbon atoms; alkyl having 1, 2,     3, 4, 5, or 6 carbon atoms; or CF₃; and -   B is aryl or heteroaryl.

Compound Example 2

A compound according to example 1 of the formula

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or a prodrug thereof.

Compound Example 3

A compound according to example 1 of the formula

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or a prodrug thereof.

Compound Example 4

A compound according to example 1 of the formula

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or a prodrug thereof.

Compound Example 5

A compound according to any one of examples 1 to 4 wherein A is (3-methylphenoxy)methyl.

Compound Example 6

A compound according to any one of examples 1 to 4 wherein A is (4-but-2-ynyloxy)methyl.

Compound Example 7

A compound according to any one of examples 1 to 4 wherein A is 2-(2-ethylthio)thiazol-4-yl.

Compound Example 8

A compound according to any one of examples 1 to 4 wherein A is 2-(3-propyl)thiazol-5-yl.

Compound Example 9

A compound according to any one of examples 1 to 4 wherein A is 3-(methoxymethyl)phenyl.

Compound Example 10

A compound according to any one of examples 1 to 4 wherein A is 3-(3-propyl)phenyl.

Compound Example 11

A compound according to any one of examples 1 to 4 wherein A is 3-methylphenethyl.

Compound Example 12

A compound according to any one of examples 1 to 4 wherein A is 4-(2-ethyl)phenyl.

Compound Example 13

A compound according to any one of examples 1 to 4 wherein A is 4-phenethyl.

Compound Example 14

A compound according to any one of examples 1 to 4 wherein A is 4-methoxybutyl.

Compound Example 15

A compound according to any one of examples 1 to 4 wherein A is 5-(methoxymethyl)furan-2-yl.

Compound Example 16

A compound according to any one of examples 1 to 4 wherein A is 5-(methoxymethyl)thiophen-2-yl.

Compound Example 17

A compound according to any one of examples 1 to 4 wherein A is 5-(3-propyl)furan-2-yl.

Compound Example 18

A compound according to any one of examples 1 to 4 wherein A is 5-(3-propyl)thiophen-2-yl.

Compound Example 19

A compound according to any one of examples 1 to 4 wherein A is 6-hexyl.

Compound Example 20

A compound according to any one of examples 1 to 4 wherein A is (Z)-6-hex-4-enyl.

Compound Example 21

A compound according to any one of examples 1, 2 and 5 to 20 having the formula

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a prodrug thereof.

Compound Example 22

A compound according to any one of examples 1 and 5 to 20 having the formula

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a prodrug thereof.

Compound Example 23

A compound according to any one of examples 1 and 4 to 20 having the formula

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a prodrug thereof.

Compound Example 24

A compound according to any one of examples 1 and 4 to 20 having the formula

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a prodrug thereof.

Compound Example 25

A compound according to any one of examples 1 and 4 to 20 having the formula

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a prodrug thereof.

Compound Example 26

A compound according to any one of examples 1 and 4 to 20 having the formula

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a prodrug thereof.

Compound Example 27

A compound according to any one of examples 1 and 4 to 20 having the formula

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a prodrug thereof.

Compound Example 28

A compound according to any one of examples 1 and 4 to 20 having the formula

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof or a prodrug thereof.

Compound Example 29

A compound according to any one of examples 1 and 5 to 28 wherein U¹ is O.

Compound Example 30

A compound according to any one of examples 1 and 5 to 28 wherein U¹ is S.

Compound Example 31

A compound according to any one of examples 1 and 5 to 28 wherein U¹ is F.

Compound Example 32

A compound according to any one of examples 1 and 5 to 28 wherein U¹ is Cl.

Compound Example 33

A compound according to any one of examples 1 and 5 to 28 wherein U¹ is Br.

Compound Example 34

A compound according to any one of examples 1 and 5 to 28 wherein U¹ is I.

Compound Example 35

A compound according to any one of examples 1 and 5 to 28 wherein U¹ is CN.

Compound Example 36

A compound according to any one of examples 1 and 5 to 28 wherein U¹ is O-alkyl having 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 carbon atoms.

Compound Example 37

A compound according to any one of examples 1 and 5 to 28 wherein J¹ is hydrogen.

Compound Example 38

A compound according to any one of examples 1 and 5 to 28 wherein J¹ is F.

Compound Example 39

A compound according to any one of examples 1 and 5 to 28 wherein J¹ is Cl.

Compound Example 40

A compound according to any one of examples 1 and 5 to 28 wherein J¹ is Br.

Compound Example 41

A compound according to any one of examples 1 and 5 to 28 wherein J¹ is I.

Compound Example 42

A compound according to any one of examples 1 and 5 to 28 wherein J¹ is O.

Compound Example 43

A compound according to any one of examples 1 and 5 to 28 wherein J¹ is OH.

Compound Example 44

A compound according to any one of examples 1 and 5 to 28 wherein J¹ is CN.

Compound Example 45

A compound according to any one of examples 1 and 5 to 28 wherein J¹ is O-alkyl having 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 carbon atoms.

Compound Example 46

A compound according to any one of examples 1 and 5 to 28 wherein J¹ is alkyl having 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 carbon atoms.

Compound Example 47

A compound according to any one of examples 1 and 5 to 28 wherein J¹ is CF₃.

Compound Example 48

A compound according to any one of examples 1 and 5 to 48 wherein J² is hydrogen.

Compound Example 49

A compound according to any one of examples 1 and 5 to 48 wherein J² is F.

Compound Example 50

A compound according to any one of examples 1 and 5 to 48 wherein J² is Cl.

Compound Example 51

A compound according to any one of examples 1 and 5 to 48 wherein J² is Br.

Compound Example 52

A compound according to any one of examples 1 and 5 to 48 wherein J² is I.

Compound Example 53

A compound according to any one of examples 1 and 5 to 48 wherein J² is O.

Compound Example 54

A compound according to any one of examples 1 and 5 to 48 wherein J² is OH.

Compound Example 55

A compound according to any one of examples 1 and 5 to 48 wherein J² is CN.

Compound Example 56

A compound according to any one of examples 1 and 5 to 48 wherein J² is O-alkyl having 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 carbon atoms.

Compound Example 57

A compound according to any one of examples 1 and 5 to 48 wherein J² is alkyl having 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 carbon atoms.

Compound Example 58

A compound according to any one of examples 1 and 5 to 48 wherein J² is CF₃.

Compound Example 59

A compound according to any one of examples 1 to 58 wherein B is substituted or unsubstituted phenyl.

Compound Example 60

A compound according to any one of examples 1 to 58 wherein B is substituted or unsubstituted thienyl.

Compound Example 61

A compound according to any one of examples 1 to 58 wherein B is substituted or unsubstituted naphthyl.

Compound Example 62

A compound according to any one of examples 1 to 58 wherein B is substituted or unsubstituted furyl.

Compound Example 63

A compound according to any one of examples 1 to 58 wherein B is substituted or unsubstituted pyridinyl.

Compound Example 64

A compound according to any one of examples 1 to 58 wherein B is substituted or unsubstituted benzothienyl.

Compound Example 65

A compound according to any one of examples 1 to 58 wherein B is substituted or unsubstituted indanyl.

Compound Example 66

A compound according to any one of examples 1 to 58 wherein B is substituted or unsubstituted tetralonyl.

Compound Example 67

A compound according to any one of examples 1 to 58 wherein B has 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 substituents, wherein each substituent has one or more carbon, fluorine, chlorine, bromine, or oxygen atoms; and wherein all substituents taken together consist of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 carbon atoms; 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9 fluorine atoms; 0, 1, 2 or 3 chlorine atoms, 0, 1, 2 or 3 bromine atoms, and 0, 1, 2 or 3 oxygen atoms.

Compound Example 68

A compound according to any one of examples 1 to 58 wherein B has a substituent of the formula C_(a)H_(b)O_(c); wherein a is 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 or 9, b is 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 or 19; and c is 0, 1, 2, or 3.

Compound Example 69

A compound according to any one of examples 1 to 58 wherein B has 1, 2, 3, or 4 alkyl substituents having 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 carbon atoms.

Compound Example 70

A compound according to any one of examples 1 to 58 wherein B has a hydroxyalkyl substituent having 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 carbon atoms and 1 or 2 hydroxy moieties.

Compound Example 71

A compound according to any one of examples 1 to 58 wherein B has an alkyl substituent having 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 carbon atoms.

Compound Example 72

A compound according to any one of examples 1 to 58 wherein B has 1, 2, 3, or 4 halogen substituents.

Compound Example 73

A compound according to any one of examples 1 to 58 wherein B has 1, 2, 3, or 4 chloro substituents.

Compound Example 74

A compound according to any one of examples 1 to 58 wherein B has 1 chloro substituent.

Compound Example 75

A compound according to any one of examples 1 to 58 wherein B has 2 chloro substituents.

Compound Example 76

A compound according to any one of examples 1 to 58 wherein B has 1, 2, 3, or 4 trifluoromethyl substituents.

Compound Example 77

A compound according to any one of examples 1 to 58 wherein B has 1, 2, or 3 trifluoromethyl substituents.

Compound Example 78

A compound according to any one of examples 1 to 58 wherein B has 1 trifluoromethyl substituent.

Compound Example 79

A compound according to any one of examples 1 to 58 wherein B has 2 trifluoromethyl substituents.

Compound Example 80

A compound according to any one of examples 1 to 58 wherein B has a hydroxyl substituent.

Compound Example 81

A compound according to any one of examples 1 to 59 wherein B is unsubstituted phenyl.

Compound Example 82

A compound according to any one of examples 1 to 59 wherein B is 3,5-dichlorophenyl.

Compound Example 83

A compound according to any one of examples 1 to 59 wherein B is 3,5-di(trifluoromethyl)phenyl.

Compound Example 84

A compound according to any one of examples 1 to 59 wherein B is 2-chlorophenyl.

Compound Example 85

A compound according to any one of examples 1 to 59 wherein B is 3-chlorophenyl.

Compound Example 86

A compound according to any one of examples 1 to 59 wherein B is 4-chlorophenyl.

Compound Example 87

A compound according to any one of examples 1 to 59 wherein B is 3-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl.

Compound Example 88

A compound according to any one of examples 1 to 59 wherein B is 3-isopropylphenyl.

Compound Example 89

A compound according to any one of examples 1 to 59 wherein B is 3-tert-butylphenyl.

Compound Example 90

A compound according to any one of examples 1 to 59 wherein B is 3-hydroxyphenyl.

Compound Example 91

A compound according to any one of examples 1 to 59 wherein B is 3-methoxyphenyl.

Compound Example 92

A compound according to any one of examples 1 to 59 wherein B is 3-(benzoyloxy)phenyl.

Compound Example 93

A compound according to any one of examples 1 to 59 wherein B is 2,3-dimethylphenyl.

Compound Example 94

A compound according to any one of examples 1 to 59 wherein B is 3,4-dimethylphenyl.

Compound Example 95

A compound according to any one of examples 1 to 59 wherein B is 2,4-dimethylphenyl.

Compound Example 96

A compound according to any one of examples 1 to 59 wherein B is 2,5-dimethylphenyl.

Compound Example 97

A compound according to any one of examples 1 to 59 wherein B is 3,5-dimethylphenyl.

Compound Example 98

A compound according to any one of examples 1 to 59 wherein B is 2,6-dimethylphenyl.

Compound Example 99

A compound according to any one of examples 1 to 59 wherein B is 3-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl.

Compound Example 100

A compound according to any one of examples 1 to 59 wherein B is 3-(1-hydroxyethyl)phenyl.

Compound Example 101

A compound according to any one of examples 1 to 59 wherein B is 3-(1-hydroxy-2-methylpropyl)phenyl.

Compound Example 102

A compound according to any one of examples 1 to 59 wherein B is 2-(hydroxymethyl)phenyl.

Compound Example 103

A compound according to any one of examples 1 to 59 wherein B is 4-(hydroxymethyl)-3,5-dimethylphenyl.

Compound Example 104

A compound according to any one of examples 1 to 59 wherein B is 4-(methoxymethyl)-3,5-dimethylphenyl.

Compound Example 105

A compound according to any one of examples 1 to 59 wherein B is 3-(1-hydroxybutyl)phenyl.

Compound Example 106

A compound according to any one of examples 1 to 59 wherein B is 4-(1-methoxybutyl)phenyl.

Compound Example 107

A compound according to any one of examples 1 to 59 wherein B is 4-(1-hydroxybutyl)phenyl.

Compound Example 108

A compound according to any one of examples 1 to 59 wherein B is 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)phenyl.

Compound Example 109

A compound according to any one of examples 1 to 59 wherein B is 3-(2-hydroxyethyl)phenyl.

Compound Example 110

A compound according to any one of examples 1 to 59 wherein B is 2-(2-hydroxyethyl)phenyl.

Compound Example 111

A compound according to any one of examples 1 to 59 wherein B is 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-3,5-dimethylphenyl.

Compound Example 112

A compound according to any one of examples 1 to 59 wherein B is 3-(1-hydroxyhexyl)phenyl.

Compound Example 113

A compound according to any one of examples 1 to 59 wherein B is 3-(acetoxymethyl)-5-chlorophenyl.

Compound Example 114

A compound according to any one of examples 1 to 59 wherein B is 1-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-4-yl.

Compound Example 115

A compound according to any one of examples 1 to 59 wherein B is 1-hydroxy-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-4-yl.

Compound Example 116

A compound according to any one of examples 1 to 59 wherein B is 5-hydroxy-5,6,7,8-tetrahydronaphthalen-1-yl.

Compound Example 117

A compound according to any one of examples 1 to 59 wherein B is 3-(1-hydroxy-2-phenylethyl)phenyl.

Compound Example 118

A compound according to any one of examples 1 to 59 wherein B is 4-(2-phenylpropan-2-yl)phenyl.

Compound Example 119

A compound according to any one of examples 1 to 59 wherein B is naphthalen-2-yl.

Compound Example 120

A compound according to any one of examples 1 to 58 wherein B is naphthalen-1-yl.

Compound Example 121

A compound according to any one of examples 1 to 58 wherein B is 4-chloronaphthalen-1-yl.

The following are hypothetical examples of compositions, kits, methods, uses, and medicaments employing the hypothetical compound examples.

Composition Example

A composition comprising a compound according to any one of compound examples 1 to 121, wherein said composition is a liquid which is ophthalmically acceptable.

Medicament Examples

Use of a compound according to any one of compound examples 1 to 121 in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of glaucoma or ocular hypertension in a mammal.

Use of a compound according to any one of compound examples 1 to 121 in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of baldness in a mammal.

Use of a compound according to any one of compound examples 1 to 121 in the manufacture of a medicament for the treatment of baldness in a person.

A medicament comprising a compound according to any one of compound examples 1 to 121, wherein said composition is a liquid which is ophthalmically acceptable.

Method Example

A method comprising administering a compound according to any one of compound examples 1 to 121 to a mammal for the treatment of glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

A method comprising administering a compound according to any one of compound examples 1 to 121 to a mammal for the treatment of baldness.

Kit Example

A kit comprising a composition comprising compound according to any one of compound examples 1 to 121, a container, and instructions for administration of said composition to a mammal for the treatment of glaucoma or ocular hypertension.

A kit comprising a composition comprising compound according to any one of compound examples 1 to 121, a container, and instructions for administration of said composition to a mammal for the treatment of baldness.

Synthetic Methods

Synthetic Example 1

Step 1. Wittig reaction of lactol 1 and phosphonate 2 to afford alkene 3

Potassium carbonate (99.99%, 2.25 g, 16.3 mmol) was added to phosphonate 2 (see Collect. Czech. Chem. Commun. 1994, 58, 138-148, 2.90 g, 6.40 mmol) in DMF (11 mL) at 0° C. After 30 min at 0° C., a solution of known lactol 1 (1.20 g, 3.22 mmol) in DMF (11 mL+10 mL) was added. The reaction mixture was allowed to rt and stirred overnight. The reaction mixture was then poured into water and extracted with EtOAc (3×). The combined extracts were washed with brine then dried (MgSO₄), filtered and concentrated in vacuo. Purification of the crude residue by flash column chromatography on silica gel (hexane→30% EtOAc/hexane, gradient) afforded 1.50 g (91%) of alkene 3.

Step 2. Hydrogenation of alkene 3 to give 4

Palladium on carbon (10 wt. %, 321 mg) was added to a solution of alkene 3 (1.50 g, 2.94 mmol) in EtOAc (59 mL). A hydrogen atmosphere was established by evacuating and refilling with hydrogen (5×) and the reaction mixture was stirred under a balloon of hydrogen for 6 h. The reaction mixture was filtered through celite, washing with EtOAc, and the filtrate was concentrated in vacuo to afford 1.51 g (quant.) of saturated compound 4.

Step 3. Mesylation of 4 to give 5

Triethylamine (316 μL, 2.27 mmol) and methanesulfonyl chloride (142 L, 1.80 mmol) were added sequentially to a solution of 4 (769 mg, 1.50 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (11.3 mL) at 0° C. The reaction mixture was allowed to warm to rt and stirred at rt overnight. Saturated aqueous NaHCO₃ (20 mL) was added, CH₂Cl₂ was removed in vacuo, and the remaining mixture was extracted with EtOAc (3×20 mL). The combined organic extracts were dried (MgSO₄), filtered and concentrated in vacuo to afford 880 mg (99%) of the desired mesylate 5, which was used without further purification.

Step 4. Conversion of mesylate 5 to chloride 6 and alcohol 7

Tetrabutylammonium chloride (2.0 g, 7.2 mmol) was added to a solution of 5 (880 mg, 1.5 mmol) in toluene (15 mL). The reaction mixture was heated at 40° C. for 18 h. The cooled mixture was diluted with brine (30 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (3×50 mL). The combined organic extracts were dried (MgSO₄), filtered and concentrated in vacuo. Purification of the crude residue by flash column chromatography on silica gel (hexane→EtOAc, gradient) afforded 230 mg (29%) of chloride 6 and 170 mg (27%) of alcohol 7.

Step 5. Desilylation of 6 to give Alcohol 7

Tetrabutylammonium fluoride (0.345 mL of a 1.0 M THF solution, 0.345 mmol) was added to a solution of 6 (61 mg, 0.11 mmol) in THF (5.4 mL) at rt. After 18 h at rt, the reaction mixture was partitioned between EtOAc (15 mL) and H₂O (10 mL). The phases were separated and the aqueous phase was extracted with EtOAc (2×10 mL). The combined organic phase was washed with brine (50 mL) then dried (MgSO₄), filtered and concentrated in vacuo. Purification of the crude residue by flash column chromatography on silica gel (hexane→EtOAc, gradient) afforded 10 mg (21%) of alcohol 7.

Step 6. Mitsunobu reaction of 7 and phenol 8 to give 9

Triphenylphosphine (160 mg, 0.61 mmol) and diisopropyl azodicarboxylate (DIAD, 90 μL, 0.49 mmol) were added to a solution of alcohol 7 (170 mg, 0.41 mmol) and phenol 8 (see U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/757,696, filed on Jan. 10, 2006, incorporated by reference herein, 81 mg, 0.40 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (2.0 mL). After stirring 18 h at rt, the mixture was partitioned between CH₂Cl₂ (15 mL) and saturated aqueous NaHCO₃ (20 mL). The phases were separated and the aqueous phase was extracted with CH₂Cl₂ (2×20 mL). The combined organic phase was washed with brine (15 mL) then the organic phase was dried (MgSO₄) filtered and concentrated in vacuo. Purification of the residue by flash column chromatography on silica gel (hexane→EtOAc, gradient) afforded 170 mg (70%) of 9.

Step 7. Deprotection of 9 to give 10

Pyridinium p-toluenesulfonate (PPTs, 7 mg, 0.028 mmol) was added to a solution of 9 (170 mg, 0.28 mmol) in methanol (2.8 mL) at rt. The solution was heated at 40° C. overnight, then cooled and concentrated in vacuo. Purification of the crude residue by flash column chromatography on silica gel (hexane→EtOAc, gradient) afforded 90 mg (62%) of 10.

Step 8. Oxidation of 10 to give 11 and 12

Dess-Martin periodinane (35 mg, 0.083 mmol) was added to a solution of 10 (35 mg, 0.068 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (3.0 mL) at 0° C. and the mixture was allowed to warm to rt. After 2 h at rt, the mixture was partitioned between CH₂Cl₂ (5 mL) and H₂O (5 mL). The phases were separated and the aqueous phase was extracted with CH₂Cl₂ (2×5 mL). The combined organic phase was washed with brine (5 mL) then the organic phase was dried (MgSO₄) filtered and concentrated in vacuo. Purification of the residue by flash column chromatography on silica gel (hexane→EtOAc, gradient) afforded 30 mg (˜87%) of a mixture of 11 and 12 (approximately 4:1 in favor of 11).

Step 9. Deprotection of 11/12 to give 13

Rabbit liver esterase (134 units/mg, 6 mg) was added to a mixture of 11 and 12 from step 8 above (15 mg, ˜0.03 mmol) and pH 7.2 buffer (2.4 mL). After 10 min at rt, MeCN (0.16 mL) was added. After stirring at it for 24 h, the reaction mixture was concentrated to dryness. Purification of the resulting crude residue by flash column chromatography on silica gel (10% MeOH/CH₂Cl₂) afforded 5 mg (˜40%) of compound 13.

Step 10. Compounds 14a and 14b

Triethylamine and ethyl chloroformate are added sequentially to a solution of compound 13 in CH₂Cl₂ at room temperature. After 2.5 h, triethylamine and ethylene glycol are added. After stirring overnight at room temperature, the reaction mixture is partitioned between H₂O and CH₂Cl₂. The phases are separated and the aqueous phase is extracted with CH₂Cl₂ (2×). The combined organic phase is washed with 1 N HCl then dried (MgSO₄), filtered and concentrated in vacuo. Purification of the residue by flash column chromatography on silica gel (10% CH₃OH/CH₂Cl₂) affords compound 14a.

Triethylamine and ethyl chloroformate are added sequentially to a solution of compound 13 in CH₂Cl₂ at room temperature. After 2.5 h, triethylamine and 4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-morphine are added. After stirring overnight at room temperature, the reaction mixture is partitioned between H₂O and CH₂Cl₂. The phases are separated and the aqueous phase is extracted with CH₂Cl₂ (2×). The combined organic phase is washed with 1 N HCl then dried (MgSO₄), filtered and concentrated in vacuo. Purification of the residue by flash column chromatography on silica gel (10% CH₃OH/CH₂Cl₂) affords compound 14b.

Synthetic Example 2

Step 1. Deprotection of 11/12 to give 12/13

Rabbit liver esterase (134 units/mg, 6 mg) was added to a mixture of 11 and 12 from Example 1, step 8 above (15 mg, ˜0.03 mmol) and pH 7.2 buffer (2.4 mL). After 10 min at rt, MeCN (0.16 mL) was added. After stirring at rt for 24 h, the reaction mixture was concentrated to dryness to afford 10 mg (˜73%) of a mixture of 12 and 13 (approximately 3:1 in favor of 12), which was taken on without further purification.

Step 2. Hydrogenation of 12/13 to give 14/15

Palladium on carbon (10 wt. %, 1 mg) was added to a mixture of 12 and 13 (10 mg, ˜0.022 mmol) in EtOAc (0.42 mL). A hydrogen atmosphere was established by , evacuating and refilling with hydrogen (10×) and the reaction mixture was stirred under a balloon of hydrogen for 6 h. The reaction mixture was filtered through celite, washing with EtOAc, and the filtrate was concentrated in vacuo. Purification of the resulting crude residue by flash column chromatography on silica gel (10% MeOH/CH₂Cl₂) afforded 7 mg (˜68%) of ester 14 and 2.7 mg (30%) of compound 15.

It is envisioned that intermediates such as 12 may react with nucleophiles such as alkyl copper reagents to afford compounds that have alkyl groups at C-9. It is further envisioned that intermediates such as 14 may be reacted with lithium diisopropylamide (LDA, or some other suitable base) followed by an electrophile such as an alkyl halide or dimethyl dioxirane to afford compounds that have an alkyl group or a hydroxyl group at C-10. It is also envisioned that intermediates such as 12 may react with appropriate reagents such that an epoxide or diol at C-9-C-10 may result. Furthermore, intermediates such as 12 and 14 may serve as precursor to compounds in which the ketone has been replaced by a chloro, fluoro, or cyano group. In these cases, the ketone is first reduced to the corresponding alcohol, which is then converted into the corresponding mesylate, which then is converted into the desired halo or cyano moiety. The intermediate alcohol and its corresponding ether and ester derivatives are also desired.

Step 3. 14 to give 16a and 16b

Compound 14 is converted to compounds 16a or 16b according to Step 10 of Example 1.

Step 4. 15 to give 17a and 17b

Compound 15 is converted to compounds 17a or 17b according to Step 10 of Example 1.

The following compounds are non limiting examples of compounds of interest according to the present disclosure.

Treatment Examples

The following are hypothetical examples demonstrating how a person may be treated with the compounds disclosed herein.

Treatment Example 1

An aqueous liquid containing H1 is given topically to the eye of a person suffering from elevated intraocular pressure. A few hours after administration, the person's intraocular pressure is reduced.

Treatment Example 2

An aqueous liquid containing H2 is given topically to the eye of a person suffering from elevated intraocular pressure. A few hours after administration, the person's intraocular pressure is reduced.

Treatment Example 3

An aqueous liquid containing H3 is given topically to the eye of a person suffering from elevated intraocular pressure. A few hours after administration, the person's intraocular pressure is reduced.

Treatment Example 4

An aqueous liquid containing H4 is given topically to the eye of a person suffering from elevated intraocular pressure. A few hours after administration, the person's intraocular pressure is reduced.

Treatment Example 5

An aqueous liquid containing H5 is given topically to the eye of a person suffering from elevated intraocular pressure. A few hours after administration, the person's intraocular pressure is reduced.

Treatment Example 6

An aqueous liquid containing H6 is given topically to the eye of a person suffering from elevated intraocular pressure. A few hours after administration, the person's intraocular pressure is reduced.

Treatment Example 7

An aqueous liquid containing H7 is given topically to the eye of a person suffering from elevated intraocular pressure. A few hours after administration, the person's intraocular pressure is reduced.

Treatment Example 8

An aqueous liquid containing H8 is given topically to the eye of a person suffering from elevated intraocular pressure. A few hours after administration, the person's intraocular pressure is reduced.

Treatment Example 9

An aqueous liquid containing H9 is given topically to the eye of a person suffering from elevated intraocular pressure. A few hours after administration, the person's intraocular pressure is reduced.

Treatment Example 11

An aqueous liquid containing H11 is given topically to the eye of a person suffering from elevated intraocular pressure. A few hours after administration, the person's intraocular pressure is reduced.

Treatment Example 12

An aqueous liquid containing H12 is given topically to the eye of a person suffering from elevated intraocular pressure. A few hours after administration, the person's intraocular pressure is reduced.

Treatment Example 13

An aqueous liquid containing H13 is given topically to the eye of a person suffering from elevated intraocular pressure. A few hours after administration, the person's intraocular pressure is reduced.

Treatment Example 14

An aqueous liquid containing H14 is given topically to the eye of a person suffering from elevated intraocular pressure. A few hours after administration, the person's intraocular pressure is reduced.

Treatment Example 15

An aqueous liquid containing H15 is given topically to the eye of a person suffering from elevated intraocular pressure. A few hours after administration, the person's intraocular pressure is reduced.

Treatment Example 16

An aqueous liquid containing H16 is given topically to the eye of a person suffering from elevated intraocular pressure. A few hours after administration, the person's intraocular pressure is reduced.

Treatment Example 17

An aqueous liquid containing H17 is given topically to the eye of a person suffering from elevated intraocular pressure. A few hours after administration, the person's intraocular pressure is reduced.

Treatment Example 18

An aqueous liquid containing H18 is given topically to the eye of a person suffering from elevated intraocular pressure. A few hours after administration, the person's intraocular pressure is reduced.

Treatment Example 20

An aqueous liquid containing H20 is given topically to the eye of a person suffering from elevated intraocular pressure. A few hours after administration, the person's intraocular pressure is reduced.

Treatment Example 22

An aqueous liquid containing H22 is given topically to the eye of a person suffering from elevated intraocular pressure. A few hours after administration, the person's intraocular pressure is reduced.

Treatment Example 23

An aqueous liquid containing H23 is given topically to the eye of a person suffering from elevated intraocular pressure. A few hours after administration, the person's intraocular pressure is reduced.

Treatment Example 24

An aqueous liquid containing H24 is given topically to the eye of a person suffering from elevated intraocular pressure. A few hours after administration, the person's intraocular pressure is reduced.

Treatment Example 25

An aqueous liquid containing H25 is given topically to the eye of a person suffering from elevated intraocular pressure. A few hours after administration, the person's intraocular pressure is reduced.

Treatment Example 26

An aqueous liquid containing H26 is given topically to the eye of a person suffering from elevated intraocular pressure. A few hours after administration, the person's intraocular pressure is reduced.

Treatment Example 27

An aqueous liquid containing H27 is given topically to the eye of a person suffering from elevated intraocular pressure. A few hours after administration, the person's intraocular pressure is reduced.

Treatment Example 28

An aqueous liquid containing H28 is given topically to the eye of a person suffering from elevated intraocular pressure. A few hours after administration, the person's intraocular pressure is reduced.

Treatment Example 29

An aqueous liquid containing H29 is given topically to the eye of a person suffering from elevated intraocular pressure. A few hours after administration, the person's intraocular pressure is reduced.

Treatment Example 30

An aqueous liquid containing H30 is given topically to the eye of a person suffering from elevated intraocular pressure. A few hours after administration, the person's intraocular pressure is reduced.

Treatment Example 31

An aqueous liquid containing H31 is given topically to the eye of a person suffering from elevated intraocular pressure. A few hours after administration, the person's intraocular pressure is reduced.

Treatment Example 32

An aqueous liquid containing H32 is given topically to the eye of a person suffering from elevated intraocular pressure. A few hours after administration, the person's intraocular pressure is reduced.

Treatment Example 33

An aqueous liquid containing H33 is given topically to the eye of a person suffering from elevated intraocular pressure. A few hours after administration, the person's intraocular pressure is reduced.

Treatment Example 34

An aqueous liquid containing H34 is given topically to the eye of a person suffering from elevated intraocular pressure. A few hours after administration, the person's intraocular pressure is reduced.

Treatment Example 35

An aqueous liquid containing H35 is given topically to the eye of a person suffering from elevated intraocular pressure. A few hours after administration, the person's intraocular pressure is reduced.

Treatment Example 36

An aqueous liquid containing H36 is given topically to the eye of a person suffering from elevated intraocular pressure. A few hours after administration, the person's intraocular pressure is reduced.

Treatment Example 37

An aqueous liquid containing H37 is given topically to the eye of a person suffering from elevated intraocular pressure. A few hours after administration, the person's intraocular pressure is reduced.

Treatment Example 38

An aqueous liquid containing H38 is given topically to the eye of a person suffering from elevated intraocular pressure. A few hours after administration, the person's intraocular pressure is reduced.

Treatment Example 39

An aqueous liquid containing H39 is given topically to the eye of a person suffering from elevated intraocular pressure. A few hours after administration, the person's intraocular pressure is reduced.

Treatment Example 40

An aqueous liquid containing H40 is given topically to the eye of a person suffering from elevated intraocular pressure. A few hours after administration, the person's intraocular pressure is reduced.

Treatment Example 41

An aqueous liquid containing H41 is given topically to the eye of a person suffering from elevated intraocular pressure. A few hours after administration, the person's intraocular pressure is reduced.

Treatment Example 42

An aqueous liquid containing H42 is given topically to the eye of a person suffering from elevated intraocular pressure. A few hours after administration, the person's intraocular pressure is reduced.

Treatment Example 43

An aqueous liquid containing H43 is given topically to the eye of a person suffering from elevated intraocular pressure. A few hours after administration, the person's intraocular pressure is reduced.

Treatment Example 44

An aqueous liquid containing H44 is given topically to the eye of a person suffering from elevated intraocular pressure. A few hours after administration, the person's intraocular pressure is reduced.

Treatment Example 45

An aqueous liquid containing H45 is given topically to the eye of a person suffering from elevated intraocular pressure. A few hours after administration, the person's intraocular pressure is reduced.

Treatment Example 46

An aqueous liquid containing H46 is given topically to the eye of a person suffering from elevated intraocular pressure. A few hours after administration, the person's intraocular pressure is reduced.

Treatment Example 47

An aqueous liquid containing H47 is given topically to the eye of a person suffering from elevated intraocular pressure. A few hours after administration, the person's intraocular pressure is reduced.

Treatment Example 48

An aqueous liquid containing H48 is given topically to the eye of a person suffering from elevated intraocular pressure. A few hours after administration, the person's intraocular pressure is reduced.

Treatment Example 49

An aqueous liquid containing H49 is given topically to the eye of a person suffering from elevated intraocular pressure. A few hours after administration, the person's intraocular pressure is reduced.

Treatment Example 50

An aqueous liquid containing HSO is given topically to the eye of a person suffering from elevated intraocular pressure. A few hours after administration, the person's intraocular pressure is reduced.

Treatment Example 51

An aqueous liquid containing H51 is given topically to the eye of a person suffering from elevated intraocular pressure. A few hours after administration, the person's intraocular pressure is reduced.

Treatment Example 52

An aqueous liquid containing H52 is given topically to the eye of a person suffering from elevated intraocular pressure. A few hours after administration, the person's intraocular pressure is reduced.

Treatment Example 53

An aqueous liquid containing H53 is given topically to the eye of a person suffering from elevated intraocular pressure. A few hours after administration, the person's intraocular pressure is reduced.

Treatment Example 54

An aqueous liquid containing H54 is given topically to the eye of a person suffering from elevated intraocular pressure. A few hours after administration, the person's intraocular pressure is reduced.

Treatment Example 55

An aqueous liquid containing H55 is given topically to the eye of a person suffering from elevated intraocular pressure. A few hours after administration, the person's intraocular pressure is reduced.

Treatment Example 56

An aqueous liquid containing H56 is given topically to the eye of a person suffering from elevated intraocular pressure. A few hours after administration, the person's intraocular pressure is reduced.

Treatment Example 57

An aqueous liquid containing H57 is given topically to the eye of a person suffering from elevated intraocular pressure. A few hours after administration, the person's intraocular pressure is reduced.

Treatment Example 58

An aqueous liquid containing H58 is given topically to the eye of a person suffering from elevated intraocular pressure. A few hours after administration, the person's intraocular pressure is reduced.

Treatment Example 59

An aqueous liquid containing H59 is given topically to the eye of a person suffering from elevated intraocular pressure. A few hours after administration, the person's intraocular pressure is reduced.

Treatment Example 60

An aqueous liquid containing H60 is given topically to the eye of a person suffering from elevated intraocular pressure. A few hours after administration, the person's intraocular pressure is reduced.

Treatment Example 61

An aqueous liquid containing H61 is given topically to the eye of a person suffering from elevated intraocular pressure. A few hours after administration, the person's intraocular pressure is reduced.

Treatment Example 62

An aqueous liquid containing H62 is given topically to the eye of a person suffering from elevated intraocular pressure. A few hours after administration, the person's intraocular pressure is reduced.

Treatment Example 63

An aqueous liquid containing H63 is given topically to the eye of a person suffering from elevated intraocular pressure. A few hours after administration, the person's intraocular pressure is reduced.

Treatment Example 64

An aqueous liquid containing H64 is given topically to the eye of a person suffering from elevated intraocular pressure. A few hours after administration, the person's intraocular pressure is reduced.

The foregoing description details specific methods and compositions that can be employed to practice the present invention, and represents the best mode contemplated. However, it is apparent for one of ordinary skill in the art that further compounds with the desired pharmacological properties can be prepared in an analogous manner, and that the disclosed compounds can also be obtained from different starting compounds via different chemical reactions. Similarly, different pharmaceutical compositions may be prepared and used with substantially the same result. Thus, however detailed the foregoing may appear in text, it should not be construed as limiting the overall scope hereof; rather, the ambit of the present invention is to be governed only by the lawful construction of the claims. 

1. A compound which is the formula

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; wherein a dashed line represents the presence or absence of a bond; Y is

A is —(CH₂)₆—, cis —CH₂CH═CH—(CH₂)₃—, or —CH₂C≡C—(CH₂)₃—, wherein 1 or 2 carbon atoms may be replaced by S or O; or A is —(CH₂)_(m)—Ar—(CH₂)_(o)— wherein Ar is interarylene or heterointerarylene, the sum of m and o is 1, 2, 3, or 4, and wherein one CH₂ may be replaced by S or O; U¹ is independently O; S; F; Cl; Br; I; CN; or O-alkyl having 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 carbon atoms; J¹ and J² are independently hydrogen; F; Cl, Br; I; O; OH; CN; O-alkyl having 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 carbon atoms; alkyl having 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 carbon atoms; or CF₃; and B is aryl or heteroaryl.
 2. The compound according to claim 1 which is the formula

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 3. The compound according to claim 1 which is the formula

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 4. The compound according to claim 1 which is the formula

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 5. The compound of claim 1 wherein A is selected from the group of:


6. The compound of claim 5 wherein A is 5-(3-propyl)thiophen-2-yl.
 7. The compound of claim 1 wherein A is 6-hexyl.
 8. The compound of claim 1 wherein A is (Z)-6-hex-4-enyl.
 9. The compound of claim 1 wherein B is a substituted phenyl.
 10. The compound according to claim 1 which is the formula

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 11. The compound according to claim 1 which is the formula

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 12. The compound according to claim 1 which is the formula

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 13. The compound according to claim 1 which is the formula

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 14. The compound according to claim 1 which is the formula

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 15. The compound according to claim 1 which is the formula

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 16. The compound according to claim 1 which is the formula

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.
 17. A method of treating baldness comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of a compound of claim
 1. 